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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Improve Your Parenting Skills V

Nothing is more rewarding than a smile on your child’s face,
even when it is smeared with chocolate. The amazing part of childhood is that
happiness is not elusive as it is in adulthood. Moreover, it is always the
small things we do that mean the most to children, which they will cherish
lovingly in their heart. You get what you ask for; hence to have a happy child
you should want your child to be happy. Begin by rating their happiness above
their success. Let the child have fun, because childhood is short and it is
more about happiness than anything else. Here is the list of top 10 things that
spreads smile on your child’s face.

10. Play for fun

Playtime is fun time. Do not start giving instructions to
your child as how they should play a game. Children do not need expensive toys
to have fun; even cardboard boxes can entertain them to no end. If the castle
your child made with the building block is not straight, do not reprimand her.
No one is living there. Do not be fussy with the little scratches or bruises
they get. It is all part of growing up. Make sure that the toys children play
with are clean and let them enjoy as they want to.

9. Give them a choice

As a parent you have your limitations. Giving a choice does
not necessarily mean you give your child whatever they want. Give them a choice
with what is available for them. When they ask for a bed time story, don’t tell
them any story you want to, instead ask them what they want to hear. Is it
about the jungle, princess, or funny story? Give them a choice to pick up the
clothes they want to wear. Above all, give them the space if they want to be
alone.

8. Nurture

When their everyday needs are met, children feel safe, loved
and happy. Children who are neglected and uncared for are the unhappiest of
all. You don’t have to compare yourselves to ‘richer than you’ parents. Just
because you do not provide your child with expensive things doesn’t mean you
are not doing your best. Wealth is not equal to happiness, especially for
children.

7. Discipline your
child

This could be shocking to many parents, but scientific
research has proven that being disciplined by the parents make the child happy.
It sends a message to the children that you care for them and want them to be
safe. Children take pride in following certain rules.

6. Surprise

A little message in the school bag, a delightful meal in
lunchbox or a sudden trip to the place your child always wanted to go can make a
child feel very cheerful. Children love surprises so much that they look
forward to it throughout their childhood subconsciously. Make their dream come
true with a bang!

5. Prepare them for
the world

Too much of attention on keeping the child happy may prove
exactly opposite in the long run. As a parent if you grant every whimsical wish
of your child and give in to each of their demands, then they start living in a
happy bubble which is not real. The true encounter with real world where they
are just one among many other children may end their happiness forever.

4. Be a part of their
childhood

Let your hair down and enjoy the growing years of your child
by being one with him. Go biking, walking or on camping trips together. Involve
them in your cooking, cleaning and decorating the home activities. When parents
are a part of their children growing up years, they not only feel happy, but
they will appreciate it greatly even in their adulthood.

3. Listen to your
child

This is not just important for their happiness, but also for
the safety of your child. Don’t hear them but listen attentively and understand
your child. If the child is between important conversations, do not cut her off
in the middle so that you can catch up with the soap opera on time. Children at
times need time to come out with the real issue; as a result they often beat
around the bush a lot. If you are patient, then the child will finally tell you
what has been bothering her. Resolve their issues and bring back happiness in
their lives.

2. Give them life
skills

Life is as much about failures as it is about success. Teach
your child to cope with disappointments, but before that you have to learn to
deal with your child’s failures yourself. Help them rebuild their self-image
and give positive strokes to encourage them. Let your child know that your love
is unconditional, and you will be there with him through thick and thin. Give
them life skills to deal with the ups and downs that they have to face.

1. Be happy

Happy parents make happy children. Children have keen sense
of body language; therefore they pick up on your emotions and will react to
them accordingly. Resolve any issues that lead to arguments and fights in the
family calmly. Do not expose your child to the problems you may have with your
spouse. Both parents mean a lot to the child; hence friction between them will
lead to stress and unhappiness.